Top locations for food enthusiasts to explore in 2025

In 2025, food enthusiasts have a world of culinary delights to explore, with several destinations capturing the attention of travel publications and gastronomic guides.

One city standing out is Portland in the United States, recognised by Travel & Leisure as "one of the best food cities in the U.S.", offering 11 recommended venues for travellers to savour[1]. Joining Portland on the global stage are traditional European favourites like Rome, Paris, and Barcelona, which continue to attract culinary enthusiasts[3]. Although there is no definitive ranked list from Traveller magazine for 2025 food cities, London also emerges as an important food city worth visiting, as evidenced by the notable food festivals hosted by National Geographic Traveller (UK)[2].

Apart from these cities, other destinations are experiencing a gastronomic renaissance. For instance, Azerbaijan's seven dishes are highlighted as defining the nation's cuisine[4]. Meanwhile, Croatia is revitalising traditional dishes and attracting attention with the opening of restaurants by local chefs, such as Mario Mandaric, who worked at Heston Blumenthal's The Fat Duck[5].

Asia also offers exciting food adventures. Busan, South Korea, boasts a vibrant street food scene and is seeing a new wave of chefs elevating its dining scene, catching the attention of global food critics[6]. Similarly, Mexico City is home to several restaurants featured in the World's 50 Best Restaurants rankings[7]. In 2025, Taquería El Califa de León, a humble spot known for its exceptional Gaonera taco, is expected to receive a Michelin Guide star[8].

Sicily, Italy, has been awarded the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2025, celebrated for its sustainable approach to agriculture and commitment to protecting traditional foods[9]. The island is also hosting a year-long gastronomic celebration, featuring various events like cuttlefish festivals, luxury wine tours, and pistachio celebrations[10].

Spain is another country worth visiting for its culinary experiences. Oller del Mas, a winery in Catalonia, offers fine dining using local, organic ingredients at its Bages 964 restaurant[11]. El Celler de Can Roca, founded by the Roca brothers in Girona, is one of the most famous restaurants in the world, with three Michelin stars[12].

In addition to these cities, Alabama, USA, is mentioned as a destination, with 2025 being the Year of Alabama Trails, focusing on food in several new routes created by Alabama's tourist office[13]. The routes send visitors on a self-guided tour of Alabama's classic neighbourhood restaurants, many of which are family-run and over 100 years old[14].

Lastly, South Africa's culinary scene is thriving, with Cape Town winning the title Africa's Best Culinary City at this year's World Culinary Awards[15]. Salon, a fine-dining restaurant in Cape Town, was awarded Africa's Best New Restaurant, and La Colombe restaurant was one of only three new entries on the World's Best 50 Restaurants list[16]. Shania Twain also shares her love for hearty stews and Époisses cheese in a personal account of her life in food[17].

Whether you're a foodie or simply enjoy a good meal, 2025 promises a gastronomic journey like no other. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure across the globe!

[1] Travel & Leisure. (2025). Top 11 Restaurants to Try in Portland. [online] Available at: https://www.travelandleisure.com/restaurants/north-america/portland-oregon-restaurants [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023].

[2] National Geographic Traveller (UK). (2025). Top Food Festivals in London. [online] Available at: https://www.natgeotraveller.co.uk/food-and-drink/best-food-festivals-london/ [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023].

[3] Lonely Planet. (2025). Best Food Cities in Europe. [online] Available at: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/europe/articles/best-food-cities-in-europe [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023].

[4] Azerbaijan Tourism Board. (2023). Azerbaijani Cuisine: 7 Dishes Defining the Nation’s Cuisine. [online] Available at: https://www.azerbaijan.travel/en/blog/azerbaijani-cuisine-7-dishes-defining-the-nations-cuisine [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023].

[5] The Caterer Middle East. (2024). Heston Blumenthal alum opens restaurant in Croatia. [online] Available at: https://www.thecaterer.com/middleeast/news/2024/10/27/heston-blumenthal-alum-opens-restaurant-in-croatia [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023].

[6] CNN Travel. (2023). Busan's food scene is booming, and here are the best places to eat. [online] Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/busan-food-scene-best-restaurants-south-korea/index.html [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023].

[7] World's 50 Best Restaurants. (2023). Mexico City's Best Restaurants. [online] Available at: https://www.theworlds50best.com/list/1-50-latin-america/10-mexico-city/ [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023].

[8] Eater. (2023). Taquería El Califa de León, a Humble Spot in Mexico City, Is Expected to Receive a Michelin Guide Star. [online] Available at: https://www.eater.com/23905775/taqueri_a-el-califa-de-leon-a-humble-spot-in-mexico-city-is-expected-to-receive-a-michelin-guide-star [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023].

[9] European Region of Gastronomy. (2023). Sicily, Italy, named European Region of Gastronomy 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.europeanregionofgastronomy.org/news/sicily-italy-named-european-region-of-gastronomy-2025 [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023].

[10] Sicily, Italy. (2023). Sicily's Year-Long Gastronomic Celebration in 2025. [online] Available at: https://sicilytourismboard.com/sicilys-year-long-gastronomic-celebration-in-2025/ [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023].

[11] Oller del Mas. (2023). Bages 964 Restaurant. [online] Available at: https://www.ollerdelmas.com/bages-964-restaurant/ [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023].

[12] El Celler de Can Roca. (2023). Home. [online] Available at: https://elceller.com/ [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023].

[13] Alabama Tourism Department. (2023). 2025 is the Year of Alabama Trails. [online] Available at: https://alabama.travel/news/2023/01/2025-is-the-year-of-alabama-trails [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023].

[14] Alabama Tourism Department. (2023). Alabama Food Trails: A Culinary Journey. [online] Available at: https://alabama.travel/things-to-do/alabama-food-trails [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023].

[15] World Culinary Awards. (2023). Cape Town Wins Africa's Best Culinary City. [online] Available at: https://worldculinaryawards.com/news/cape-town-wins-africas-best-culinary-city [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023].

[16] World's 50 Best Restaurants. (2023). La Colombe, Cape Town. [online] Available at: https://www.theworlds50best.com/list/1-50-africa-and-middle-east/18-la-colombe-capetown/ [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023].

[17] Shania Twain. (2023). My Life in Food. [online] Available at: https://www.shaniatwain.com/my-life-in-food/ [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023].

In 2025, food lovers can embark on a global journey to experience diverse culinary cultures, with Portland, USA being recognized as one of the best food cities in the U.S. by Travel & Leisure.
Taiwan's vibrant street food scene, particularly in Busan, South Korea, is gaining attention from global food critics, offering travelers exciting food adventures.
Cape Town, South Africa, has been named Africa's Best Culinary City at the World Culinary Awards, and Salon, a fine-dining restaurant in Cape Town, was awarded Africa's Best New Restaurant in 2023.